Obtaining a NHS Test and Trace Account ID

NHS Test and Trace uses a web-based tool called the Contact Tracing and Advice Service (CTAS) to record information about people who have tested positive for COVID-19 and their contacts. This system allocates individuals an Account ID is an 8-character identifier unique to each record on the web tool (e.g. 4a2c204a).

How applicants obtain an NHS Test and Trace Account ID

Most people who test positive for COVID-19 or are a contact of someone who has had a positive test will receive a digital invitation from the CTAS web tool to undertake the contact tracing journey. The invitation message (sent via a text message or email) contains the 8-character Account ID.

Everyone who has completed the contact tracing journey (including those who were ineligible for the digital invitation, such as children or individuals with a landline number only) will receive a message upon completion of the NHS Test and Trace questionnaire. The message (sent either via a text message/email or postal service for people with no access to mobile phone or email) contains the 8-character Account ID.

Notification messages which contain the NHS Test and Trace Account ID

The NHS Test and Trace Account ID can be found in text messages and emails that are sent to people who are asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace. A list of messages that contain this ID include:

1. an initial invitation message asking the individual to create an account on CTAS if they test positive for COVID-19 or they are identified as a contact.
2. a reminder messages to create an account (where applicable).
3. advice providing guidance on self-isolation, health, wellbeing and legal duties. Sample invitation message

Dear Name,

You recently tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). We need to collect information about who you have been in contact with recently, so that we can provide them with health advice in case they have also caught the virus.

Please visit your account (Account ID: 1234567890) at https://www.nhs.uk/invitation to provide this information and learn more. The information you give us will be held in complete confidence and in line with the Data Protection Act 2018.

By responding to this you will be helping the NHS Test and Trace service to protect you, your family and the NHS.

Sample self-isolation messages

Thank you for self-isolating. You are not alone - many people are also testing to self-isolate right now in England. Support is available for you to make sure that you are able to play your part in controlling the spread of Covid-19 by isolating at home.

Find help in your local area: https://www.nhs.uk/contact-tracing-testing/

You are eligible for support from local NHS volunteers. Call 1198 986 3645 (9am to 9pm) if you need support. For further information see: https://www.nhs.uk/contact-tracing-testing/

Find out about the local support available to help you continue to stay at home: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-support-for-people-who-are-self-isolating

Guidance on shielding and protecting people who are at high risk from Covid-19: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-support-for-people-who-are-self-isolating

You must continue to self-isolate and not leave your house.

If you or anyone in your household experience coronavirus symptoms:

1. Check them on NHS111 online: https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19

2. Get a test via: https://www.nhs.uk/asymptomatic-testing

3. Follow instructions you get from the testing service

To make sure that you are financially able to self-isolate, we have introduced a one-off payment of £500 through the Test and Trace Support Payment scheme for people who are on a low income and cannot work from home while self-isolating.

Along with this additional support, we have now introduced a legal duty to self-isolate. This means that you could be fined if you do not stay at home and self-isolate.

We recognise that self-isolation can be hard. If you are feeling lost or worried, check out these tips and advice: https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/learn-more

Thank you for preventing the spread of coronavirus.